Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): Traditional Midwifery, Ritual Cleansing and Cultural Continuity: A Study of Pelimau Dapur in Malay Society

Authors: Nurul Asmaa Akmal Md Din, Sri Qamariah Mohd Samsir, Nor Azita Che Din, Nurul Haniza Samsudin & Awang Azman Awang Pawi

Synopsis: This book discusses pelimau dapur, a traditional Malay ritual in Terengganu performed after a woman completes her postnatal confinement period. The study focuses on the community of Kampung Alor Limbat, Marang, Terengganu, where this practice is still preserved as part of Malay cultural heritage and traditional midwifery.
Pelimau dapur is regarded as a “release” ritual after the mother has completed her confinement, usually after 40 or 44 days of childbirth. The ritual is performed by a traditional midwife using specific materials such as pure water, lime or kaffir lime, flour or traditional powder, together with prayers and selected verses from the Quran. In the past, coconut leaves were also used as part of the release ritual, but they have since been replaced with flour or powder due to changes in belief and adaptation to Islamic teachings.
This book also explains the role of traditional midwives in Malay society, especially as experienced individuals who care for mothers after childbirth. Through interviews and observations involving two midwives in Kampung Alor Limbat, the study describes how the ritual is performed, the materials used, the changes in practice from the past to the present, and the philosophy behind the ritual.
Overall, this book highlights that pelimau dapur is not merely a traditional ritual, but also reflects the values of purity, cleanliness, orderliness, perfection, caution and the wisdom of earlier Malay society. This study is important as an effort to document Malay midwifery heritage so that it will not be forgotten by future generations. 

Keywords: Traditional midwifery; pelimau dapur; postpartum confinement; Malay society; cultural heritage.

Book Published Online: 6 July 2026

ISBN: To be processed

Chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction: Malay Traditional Midwifery Heritage and Postpartum Practices
Pendahuluan: Warisan Perbidanan Melayu dan Amalan Selepas Berpantang

Chapter 2: Taboos, Customs and the Life Cycle in Malay Society
Pantang Larang, Adat dan Kitaran Hidup dalam Masyarakat Melayu

Chapter 3: Traditional Midwives and Their Role in Postpartum Care
Bidan Tradisional dan Peranannya dalam Penjagaan Ibu Selepas Bersalin

Chapter 4: The History and Cultural Background of Pelimau Dapur in Kampung Alor Limbat
Sejarah dan Latar Budaya Pelimau Dapur di Kampung Alor Limbat

Chapter 5: Materials, Tools and Ritual Objects in Pelimau Dapur
Bahan, Alatan dan Pekakas dalam Ritual Pelimau Dapur

Chapter 6: The Procedure of the Pelimau Dapur Ritual
Tata Cara Pelaksanaan Ritual Pelimau Dapur

Chapter 7: Philosophy, Symbolism and Cultural Values in *Pelimau Dapur
Falsafah, Simbolisme dan Nilai Budaya dalam Pelimau Dapur

Chapter 8: Continuity, Transformation and Preservation of Pelimau Dapur Heritage
Kesinambungan, Perubahan dan Pelestarian Warisan Pelimau Dapur